Another COOL (country of origin label) bill. I definitely like the idea of seeing where products we eat are being produced.
By Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY) (for herself, Mr. FEINGOLD (D-WI), and Mr. BROWN (D-PA)):
S. 3653. A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for country of origin labeling for dairy products; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Source: GPO [S10069]
The next bill will require reading of the legislative language, but looks to provide agreements for webcasting 'sound recordings'.
By Mr. WYDEN (D-OR) (for himself and Mr. BROWNBACK (R-KS)):
S. 3649. A bill to amend section 114 of title 17, United States Code, to provide for agreements for the reproduction and performance of sound recordings by webcasters; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S10069]
Here is a bill with a good idea for providing oversight to deaths of those in custody of law-enforcement, but wish it would do more than 'encourage':
By Mr. SCOTT (D-VA):
H.R. 7227. A bill to encourage States to report to the Attorney General certain information regarding the deaths of individuals in the custody of law enforcement agencies, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H10642]
And here is a good bill to let parents use leave for handling parental duties for their kid's and/or grandkid's educational and extracurricular activities, and to take care of family medical needs to assist elderly relatives.
By Mrs. MALONEY (D-NY)(for herself, Mr. GEORGE MILLER (D-CA), Mr. MCDERMOTT (D-WA), Mr. HASTINGS (D-FL), Mr. AL GREEN (D-TX), and Ms. JACKSON-LEE (D-TX)):
H.R. 7233. A bill to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow employees to take, as additional leave, parental involvement leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities and to clarify that leave may be taken for routine family medical needs and to assist elderly relatives, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H10642]
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Bulk Handgun Purchases, Internet Skill Game Facilities, Votes for Former Prisoners & Stem Cell Research: September 26, 2008
Here are 2 bills introduced in the Senate and 2 from the House.
This first bill will surely upset those who are strong backers of the 2nd amendment, but it's hard for me to understand why someone would need to purchase handguns in bulk.
By Mr. LAUTENBERG (D-NJ) (for himself and Mr. MENENDEZ):
S. 3634. A bill to reduce gun trafficking by prohibiting bulk purchases of handguns; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
This is an interesting bill to authorize licensing for Internet skill game facilities. I envision a bar-like scene, where people go to play Internet games instead of boozing. Source: GPO [S9657]
By Mr. MENENDEZ:
S. 3616. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the licensing of Internet skill game facilities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Source: GPO [S9657]
On the House side, this is another bill sure to bring controversy, which is to allow those formerly incarcerated to vote. I'm of the feeling that if someone has served their sentence, they should be allowed to come back as citizens and be allowed to participate in elections. Though for some horrible crimes, might be tough to swallow knowing that person has same right to vote as person who has never broken the law:
By Mr. CONYERS (D-MI):
H.R. 7136. A bill to secure the Federal voting rights of persons who have been released from incarceration; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H10129]
Might as well wrap this up with yet another bill of controversy. This one is deals with the high emotion subject of stem cell research:
By Ms. DEGETTE (D-CO)(for herself and Mr. CASTLE (R-DE)):
H.R. 7141. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research, to direct the National Institutes of Health to issue guidelines for such stem cell research, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H10129]
This first bill will surely upset those who are strong backers of the 2nd amendment, but it's hard for me to understand why someone would need to purchase handguns in bulk.
By Mr. LAUTENBERG (D-NJ) (for himself and Mr. MENENDEZ):
S. 3634. A bill to reduce gun trafficking by prohibiting bulk purchases of handguns; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
This is an interesting bill to authorize licensing for Internet skill game facilities. I envision a bar-like scene, where people go to play Internet games instead of boozing. Source: GPO [S9657]
By Mr. MENENDEZ:
S. 3616. A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to provide for the licensing of Internet skill game facilities, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Source: GPO [S9657]
On the House side, this is another bill sure to bring controversy, which is to allow those formerly incarcerated to vote. I'm of the feeling that if someone has served their sentence, they should be allowed to come back as citizens and be allowed to participate in elections. Though for some horrible crimes, might be tough to swallow knowing that person has same right to vote as person who has never broken the law:
By Mr. CONYERS (D-MI):
H.R. 7136. A bill to secure the Federal voting rights of persons who have been released from incarceration; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H10129]
Might as well wrap this up with yet another bill of controversy. This one is deals with the high emotion subject of stem cell research:
By Ms. DEGETTE (D-CO)(for herself and Mr. CASTLE (R-DE)):
H.R. 7141. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for human embryonic stem cell research, to direct the National Institutes of Health to issue guidelines for such stem cell research, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H10129]
Friday, September 26, 2008
Unlawful Arrests, Obesity in America and Nuclear Activities in Iran: September 26, 2008
Here are three bills introduced in the Senate yesterday.
The first one is very vague and will require reading the legislative text to see how they propose to accomplish the goals of the bill, but if they are able to, I'm all for it. One of the worst things to happen to a citizen (and our country) is to end up being arrested or detained unlawfully in the 'land of the free'.
By Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ)(for himself and Mr. KENNEDY (D-MA) ):
S. 3594. A bill to protect United States citizens from unlawful arrest and detention; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S9492]
Another vague bill with solid goals, particularly with the direction our country is moving in regards to the health of its citizens.
By Mr. BINGAMAN (D-NM):
S. 3584. A bill to comprehensively prevent, treat, and decrease overweight and obesity in our Nation's populations; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9492]
The final bill deals with assessing Iran's nuclear activities.
By Mr. ENSIGN (R-NV):
S. 3578. A bill to establish a commission to assess the nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran; to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Source: GPO [S9492]
The first one is very vague and will require reading the legislative text to see how they propose to accomplish the goals of the bill, but if they are able to, I'm all for it. One of the worst things to happen to a citizen (and our country) is to end up being arrested or detained unlawfully in the 'land of the free'.
By Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ)(for himself and Mr. KENNEDY (D-MA) ):
S. 3594. A bill to protect United States citizens from unlawful arrest and detention; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S9492]
Another vague bill with solid goals, particularly with the direction our country is moving in regards to the health of its citizens.
By Mr. BINGAMAN (D-NM):
S. 3584. A bill to comprehensively prevent, treat, and decrease overweight and obesity in our Nation's populations; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9492]
The final bill deals with assessing Iran's nuclear activities.
By Mr. ENSIGN (R-NV):
S. 3578. A bill to establish a commission to assess the nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran; to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Source: GPO [S9492]
Thursday, September 25, 2008
General Elections on Weekends, Teaching Kids about Finances & Lighthouses: September 25, 2008
Here are a few bills introduced yesterday.
I absolutely love this bill from the House. I have never truly understood why general elections are held on Tuesdays instead of weekends, or why employers are not required by law to give their employees a few hours off on election day, and this bill addresses that issue by pushing to move the general election to the weekend. I think it would be great to encourage more citizens to vote.
By Mr. LARSON (D-CT):
H.R. 7034. A bill to change the date for regularly scheduled general elections for Federal office to both the Saturday and Sunday after the first Friday in November, and for other purposes; to the Committee on House Administration. Source: GPO [H9423]
And here are a couple bills from the Senate.
In light of the financial problems our country and many of its citizens are facing, I think this is a strong bill. We can never start teaching financial responsibility too early:
By Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY):
S. 3557. A bill to encourage savings, promote financial literacy, and expand opportunities for young adults by establishing KIDS Accounts; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S9414]
Finally, people who are into lighthouses will enjoy this bill.
By Mr. LEVIN (D-MI)(for himself and Ms. STABENOW (D-MI)):
S. 3555. A bill to establish a pilot program to provide for the preservation and rehabilitation of historic lighthouses; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Source: GPO [S9414]
I absolutely love this bill from the House. I have never truly understood why general elections are held on Tuesdays instead of weekends, or why employers are not required by law to give their employees a few hours off on election day, and this bill addresses that issue by pushing to move the general election to the weekend. I think it would be great to encourage more citizens to vote.
By Mr. LARSON (D-CT):
H.R. 7034. A bill to change the date for regularly scheduled general elections for Federal office to both the Saturday and Sunday after the first Friday in November, and for other purposes; to the Committee on House Administration. Source: GPO [H9423]
And here are a couple bills from the Senate.
In light of the financial problems our country and many of its citizens are facing, I think this is a strong bill. We can never start teaching financial responsibility too early:
By Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY):
S. 3557. A bill to encourage savings, promote financial literacy, and expand opportunities for young adults by establishing KIDS Accounts; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S9414]
Finally, people who are into lighthouses will enjoy this bill.
By Mr. LEVIN (D-MI)(for himself and Ms. STABENOW (D-MI)):
S. 3555. A bill to establish a pilot program to provide for the preservation and rehabilitation of historic lighthouses; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Source: GPO [S9414]
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Drug Testing for Social Programs, Mortgage Disclosure for Congress, Rural After-School Programs & Discrimination Against Unborns: September 23, 2008
Here are three bills introduced in the Senate yesterday.
This first one will certainly be controversial, requiring drug testing for participants of the federal social program TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). I understand the desire to make sure TANF funds are used appropriately, but I have to question the cost and privacy factors of the testing.
By Mr. VITTER (R-LA):
S. 3540. A bill to amend title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to implement a drug testing program for applicants for and recipients of assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S9280]
The second bill has been prompted by several questionable mortgages some Members of Congress are currently locked in to. I'm all for full disclosure of our public officials.
By Mr. CORNYN (R-TX)(Mrs. BOXER (D-CA), Mr. ROBERTS (R-KS), Mr. PRYOR (D-AR), Mr. ISAKSON (R-GA), and Mr. SALAZAR (D-CO)):
S. 3542. A bill to require full and complete public disclosure of the terms of home mortgages held by Members of Congress; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Source: GPO [S9280]
This third Senate bill will attempt to improve rural after-school programs.
By Mrs. LINCOLN (D-AR) (Ms. COLLINS (R-ME)):
S. 3545. A bill to enhance after-school programs in rural areas of the United States by establishing a pilot program to help communities establish and improve rural after-school programs; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9280]
Finally, here is a peculiar bill dealing with discrimination of unborns. I am having a hard time understanding how someone discriminates against an unborn's sex or race. How can one tell without having medical equipment with them?
By Mr. FRANKS (R-AZ) (for himself, Mr. TAYLOR (D-MS), Mr. FORTENBERRY (R-NE), Mr. LIPINSKI (D-IL), Mr. SMITH (R-TX), and Mr. PENCE (R-IN)):
H.R. 7016. A bill to prohibit discrimination against the unborn on the basis of sex or race, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H9083]
This first one will certainly be controversial, requiring drug testing for participants of the federal social program TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). I understand the desire to make sure TANF funds are used appropriately, but I have to question the cost and privacy factors of the testing.
By Mr. VITTER (R-LA):
S. 3540. A bill to amend title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to implement a drug testing program for applicants for and recipients of assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S9280]
The second bill has been prompted by several questionable mortgages some Members of Congress are currently locked in to. I'm all for full disclosure of our public officials.
By Mr. CORNYN (R-TX)(Mrs. BOXER (D-CA), Mr. ROBERTS (R-KS), Mr. PRYOR (D-AR), Mr. ISAKSON (R-GA), and Mr. SALAZAR (D-CO)):
S. 3542. A bill to require full and complete public disclosure of the terms of home mortgages held by Members of Congress; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Source: GPO [S9280]
This third Senate bill will attempt to improve rural after-school programs.
By Mrs. LINCOLN (D-AR) (Ms. COLLINS (R-ME)):
S. 3545. A bill to enhance after-school programs in rural areas of the United States by establishing a pilot program to help communities establish and improve rural after-school programs; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9280]
Finally, here is a peculiar bill dealing with discrimination of unborns. I am having a hard time understanding how someone discriminates against an unborn's sex or race. How can one tell without having medical equipment with them?
By Mr. FRANKS (R-AZ) (for himself, Mr. TAYLOR (D-MS), Mr. FORTENBERRY (R-NE), Mr. LIPINSKI (D-IL), Mr. SMITH (R-TX), and Mr. PENCE (R-IN)):
H.R. 7016. A bill to prohibit discrimination against the unborn on the basis of sex or race, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H9083]
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Baggage Fees for Service Members, Raising Federally Insured Max Deposit & Company Officers Repaying Bonuses: September 22, 2008
On the House side, here are three interesting bills.
This first one makes a lot of sense to me, requiring airlines to waive certain baggage fees to service members travelling under orders:
By Mr. BACA (D-CA):
H.R. 6985. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to require air carriers to waive certain baggage fees for members of the uniformed services traveling under orders; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H8577]
This next bill would raise the max Federal deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $200,000. I presume in an effort to gain more confidence in banks and increase push for savings.
By Mr. COHEN (D-TN):
H.R. 6986. A bill to amend section 1821(a)(1) of title 12, United States Code, to raise the maximum Federal deposit insurance coverage to $200,000; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H8577]
The final bill will be cheered by many across America, except those officers who have to repay their bonuses:
By Mr. FEENEY (R-FL) (Mr. ROSKAM (R-IL), and Mr. GARRETT (R-NJ)):
H.R. 6987. A bill to amend the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to require officers to repay bonus amounts received during a year in which their company is subject to a taxpayer bailout, as well as the two previous years; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H8577]
This first one makes a lot of sense to me, requiring airlines to waive certain baggage fees to service members travelling under orders:
By Mr. BACA (D-CA):
H.R. 6985. A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to require air carriers to waive certain baggage fees for members of the uniformed services traveling under orders; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H8577]
This next bill would raise the max Federal deposit insurance coverage from $100,000 to $200,000. I presume in an effort to gain more confidence in banks and increase push for savings.
By Mr. COHEN (D-TN):
H.R. 6986. A bill to amend section 1821(a)(1) of title 12, United States Code, to raise the maximum Federal deposit insurance coverage to $200,000; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H8577]
The final bill will be cheered by many across America, except those officers who have to repay their bonuses:
By Mr. FEENEY (R-FL) (Mr. ROSKAM (R-IL), and Mr. GARRETT (R-NJ)):
H.R. 6987. A bill to amend the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to require officers to repay bonus amounts received during a year in which their company is subject to a taxpayer bailout, as well as the two previous years; to the Committee on Financial Services. Source: GPO [H8577]
Monday, September 22, 2008
Presidential Powers to Authorize Energy Exploration, Term Limits for Congress, Algae Derived Fuels & Sharia Law Ban: September 19, 2008
The Senate and House were not in session last Friday, so here are 4 interesting bills introduced in the House last Thursday.
The first bills doesn't have a chance of moving anywhere. In order to pass, a majority of the Members of House and Senate would have to vote against keeping their own jobs. It would amend the Constitution to set term limits on Members of Congress. No chance they are voting to put a limit on their own terms. As nice as it would be to have Members dealing solely with issues facing the American people and not spending time and energy on re-election - I just can't see term limits ever happening.
By Mr. KUHL (R-NY):
H.J. Res. 98. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of times Senators and Representatives may be elected; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H8476]
This second bill will be very controversial and would provide the President authorization power to approve oil and gas projects. I'm surprised it was introduced by a Minnesotan Member of Congress, not exactly the state I think if first when it comes to energy exploration.
By Mrs. BACHMANN(R-MN):
H.R. 6953. A bill to authorize the President to review and approve oil and gas exploration, development, and production projects under existing Federal oil and gas leases, both onshore and offshore, and to limit administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to such projects, upon finding that such a project complies with all applicable Federal laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources. Source: GPO [H8476]
The third bill provides credit for algae derived fuels. Algae? Yes, algae.
By Mr. BILBRAY (R-CA)(for himself, Mr. KENNEDY (D-RI), Mr. BARTLETT (R-MD), Mr. ISSA (R-CA), Mr. HUNTER (R-CA), and Mrs. BONO MACK (R-CA)):
H.R. 6943. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a credit for algae derived fuels, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H8476]
Finally, another somewhat odd bill that falls under the 'no-duh' kind of legislation, prohibiting any aliens from advocating Sharia law. I am pretty confident Sharia law isn't going to happen over there in the states, so I could care less if anyone advocated for it. We still have dopes in the states advocating for segregation - who really cares what the fringe wants?
By Mr. TANCREDO (R-CO):
H.R. 6975. A bill to require aliens to attest that they will not advocate installing a Sharia law system in the United States as a condition for admission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H8476]
The first bills doesn't have a chance of moving anywhere. In order to pass, a majority of the Members of House and Senate would have to vote against keeping their own jobs. It would amend the Constitution to set term limits on Members of Congress. No chance they are voting to put a limit on their own terms. As nice as it would be to have Members dealing solely with issues facing the American people and not spending time and energy on re-election - I just can't see term limits ever happening.
By Mr. KUHL (R-NY):
H.J. Res. 98. A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to limit the number of times Senators and Representatives may be elected; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H8476]
This second bill will be very controversial and would provide the President authorization power to approve oil and gas projects. I'm surprised it was introduced by a Minnesotan Member of Congress, not exactly the state I think if first when it comes to energy exploration.
By Mrs. BACHMANN(R-MN):
H.R. 6953. A bill to authorize the President to review and approve oil and gas exploration, development, and production projects under existing Federal oil and gas leases, both onshore and offshore, and to limit administrative and judicial proceedings with respect to such projects, upon finding that such a project complies with all applicable Federal laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources. Source: GPO [H8476]
The third bill provides credit for algae derived fuels. Algae? Yes, algae.
By Mr. BILBRAY (R-CA)(for himself, Mr. KENNEDY (D-RI), Mr. BARTLETT (R-MD), Mr. ISSA (R-CA), Mr. HUNTER (R-CA), and Mrs. BONO MACK (R-CA)):
H.R. 6943. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a credit for algae derived fuels, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Means. Source: GPO [H8476]
Finally, another somewhat odd bill that falls under the 'no-duh' kind of legislation, prohibiting any aliens from advocating Sharia law. I am pretty confident Sharia law isn't going to happen over there in the states, so I could care less if anyone advocated for it. We still have dopes in the states advocating for segregation - who really cares what the fringe wants?
By Mr. TANCREDO (R-CO):
H.R. 6975. A bill to require aliens to attest that they will not advocate installing a Sharia law system in the United States as a condition for admission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H8476]
Friday, September 19, 2008
Puppy Protection, Defibrillators for Schoolkids, Polar Bear Trophies & Covert Operations to Overthrow Iran: September 18, 2008
Here are a four bills introduced yesterday: Two in the Senate and two in the House.
Talk about a heck of a political platform: “I am for puppies” – would love to see this bill come to a vote and see who is against protecting puppies.
By Mr. DURBIN (D-IL) (for himself, Mrs. FEINSTEIN (D-CA), Mrs. MCCASKILL (D-MO), and Mr. WYDEN (D-OR)):
S. 3519. A bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide further protection for puppies; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Source: GPO [S9025]
I think this next bill is a great one, I'm all for emergency preparedness, especially when it comes to America's youth:
By Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY)(for herself, Mr. VOINOVICH (R-OH), and Mr. BROWN (D-OH)):
S. 3520. A bill to establish a grant program for automated external defibrillators in elementary and secondary schools; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9025]
And over in the Senate, I have to wonder who is so desparately looking to import polar bear trophies shot before 1973 that this bill was important to introduce?
By Mr. YOUNG (R-AK):
H.R. 6936. A bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; to the Committee on Natural Resources. Source: GPO [H8476]
And finally, a very interesting bill in the House prohibiting CIA and DoD from using funds to provide covert assistance in the overthrowing of Iran's government:
By Ms. LEE (D-TX) (for herself, Ms. WOOLSEY (D-CA), Mr. HINCHEY (D-NY), Ms. WATERS (D-CA), Mr. MCGOVERN (D-MA), Mr. MCDERMOTT (D-WA), and Mr. GRIJALVA (D-AZ)):
H.R. 6951. A bill to prohibit the use of funds by the Central Intelligence Agency or the Department of Defense to provide covert or clandestine assistance for the purpose of overthrowing the Government of Iran; to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8476]
Talk about a heck of a political platform: “I am for puppies” – would love to see this bill come to a vote and see who is against protecting puppies.
By Mr. DURBIN (D-IL) (for himself, Mrs. FEINSTEIN (D-CA), Mrs. MCCASKILL (D-MO), and Mr. WYDEN (D-OR)):
S. 3519. A bill to amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide further protection for puppies; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Source: GPO [S9025]
I think this next bill is a great one, I'm all for emergency preparedness, especially when it comes to America's youth:
By Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY)(for herself, Mr. VOINOVICH (R-OH), and Mr. BROWN (D-OH)):
S. 3520. A bill to establish a grant program for automated external defibrillators in elementary and secondary schools; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S9025]
And over in the Senate, I have to wonder who is so desparately looking to import polar bear trophies shot before 1973 that this bill was important to introduce?
By Mr. YOUNG (R-AK):
H.R. 6936. A bill to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; to the Committee on Natural Resources. Source: GPO [H8476]
And finally, a very interesting bill in the House prohibiting CIA and DoD from using funds to provide covert assistance in the overthrowing of Iran's government:
By Ms. LEE (D-TX) (for herself, Ms. WOOLSEY (D-CA), Mr. HINCHEY (D-NY), Ms. WATERS (D-CA), Mr. MCGOVERN (D-MA), Mr. MCDERMOTT (D-WA), and Mr. GRIJALVA (D-AZ)):
H.R. 6951. A bill to prohibit the use of funds by the Central Intelligence Agency or the Department of Defense to provide covert or clandestine assistance for the purpose of overthrowing the Government of Iran; to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8476]
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Commodity Futures Oversight, Border Fence Deadline and Required Reading of Constitution: September 17, 2008
Here are a three bills introduced in the House yesterday.
The first is to provide more oversight in the commodity futures market and the next two are pretty interesting, and likely to be controversial. One puts a deadline on completing the border fence. The other requires officers and employees to read the Constitution each year.
The fence is a ridiculous idea to me, but think it is good idea for those in halls of Congress to read the Constitution each and every year. I think we should require it of all American citizens.
By Mr. MORAN (R-KS):
H.R. 6921. A bill to provide additional oversight and transparency to the commodity futures markets by authorizing greater resources and authority for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture. Source: GPO [H8397]
By Mr. BARRETT (R-SC):
H.R. 6923. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to complete at least 700 miles of reinforced fencing along the Southwest border by December 31, 2010, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security. Source: GPO [H8397]
By Mr. CONAWAY (R-TX)(for himself, Mrs. CUBIN (R-WY), Mr. SULLIVAN (R-OK), Mrs. BACHMANN (R-MN), Mr. MCHENRY (R-NC), Mr. MARCHANT (R-TX), Mr. NEUGEBAUER (R-TX), Mr. GINGREY (R-GA), Mr. KINGSTON (R-GA), Mr. BROUN (R-GA), Mr. LAMBORN (R-CO), Mr. FRANKS (R-AZ), Mr. BARTLETT (R-MD), and Mr. BISHOP (R-UT)):
H. Res. 1450. A resolution amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require officers and employees of the House to read the Constitution of the United States each year; to the Committee on Rules. Source: GPO [H8397]
The first is to provide more oversight in the commodity futures market and the next two are pretty interesting, and likely to be controversial. One puts a deadline on completing the border fence. The other requires officers and employees to read the Constitution each year.
The fence is a ridiculous idea to me, but think it is good idea for those in halls of Congress to read the Constitution each and every year. I think we should require it of all American citizens.
By Mr. MORAN (R-KS):
H.R. 6921. A bill to provide additional oversight and transparency to the commodity futures markets by authorizing greater resources and authority for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture. Source: GPO [H8397]
By Mr. BARRETT (R-SC):
H.R. 6923. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to complete at least 700 miles of reinforced fencing along the Southwest border by December 31, 2010, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security. Source: GPO [H8397]
By Mr. CONAWAY (R-TX)(for himself, Mrs. CUBIN (R-WY), Mr. SULLIVAN (R-OK), Mrs. BACHMANN (R-MN), Mr. MCHENRY (R-NC), Mr. MARCHANT (R-TX), Mr. NEUGEBAUER (R-TX), Mr. GINGREY (R-GA), Mr. KINGSTON (R-GA), Mr. BROUN (R-GA), Mr. LAMBORN (R-CO), Mr. FRANKS (R-AZ), Mr. BARTLETT (R-MD), and Mr. BISHOP (R-UT)):
H. Res. 1450. A resolution amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require officers and employees of the House to read the Constitution of the United States each year; to the Committee on Rules. Source: GPO [H8397]
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Railroad Safety, Protecting Pregnant Women, Protecting Americans in Parks & Swimming Lessons: September 16, 2008
On the Senate side, a bill introduced in response to the California train wreck last week:
By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (D-CA)(for herself and Mrs. BOXER (D-CA)):
S. 3493. A bill to require rail carriers to develop positive rail control system plans for improving railroad safety and to increase the civil penalties for railroad safety violations; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S8856]
A couple more bills introduced in the Senate that are sort of 'no duh' kinds of bills. I haven't seen the legislative language for these bills and how they propose to accomplish the goals, but who the heck would not want these things to happen?
By Mrs. BOXER (D-CA)(for herself, Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY), Mr. CARDIN (D-MD), and Mr. WHITEHOUSE (D-RI)):
S. 3495. A bill to protect pregnant women and children from dangerous lead exposures; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Source: GPO [S8856]
By Mr. BINGAMAN (D-NM):
S. 3499. An original bill to protect innocent Americans from violent crime in national parks; from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; placed on the calendar. Source: GPO [S8856]
And finally, a bill in the House that Michael Phelps (and lifeguards around the nation) will likely be happy to see:
By Mr. SIRES (D-NJ)(for himself, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (D-FL), Mr. PAYNE (D-NJ), and Mr. PASTOR (D-AZ)):
H. Res. 1446. A resolution expressing the importance of swimming lessons and recognizing the danger of drowning in the United States, especially among minority children; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H8275]
By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (D-CA)(for herself and Mrs. BOXER (D-CA)):
S. 3493. A bill to require rail carriers to develop positive rail control system plans for improving railroad safety and to increase the civil penalties for railroad safety violations; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Source: GPO [S8856]
A couple more bills introduced in the Senate that are sort of 'no duh' kinds of bills. I haven't seen the legislative language for these bills and how they propose to accomplish the goals, but who the heck would not want these things to happen?
By Mrs. BOXER (D-CA)(for herself, Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY), Mr. CARDIN (D-MD), and Mr. WHITEHOUSE (D-RI)):
S. 3495. A bill to protect pregnant women and children from dangerous lead exposures; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Source: GPO [S8856]
By Mr. BINGAMAN (D-NM):
S. 3499. An original bill to protect innocent Americans from violent crime in national parks; from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; placed on the calendar. Source: GPO [S8856]
And finally, a bill in the House that Michael Phelps (and lifeguards around the nation) will likely be happy to see:
By Mr. SIRES (D-NJ)(for himself, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ (D-FL), Mr. PAYNE (D-NJ), and Mr. PASTOR (D-AZ)):
H. Res. 1446. A resolution expressing the importance of swimming lessons and recognizing the danger of drowning in the United States, especially among minority children; to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Source: GPO [H8275]
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Pollock Municipal Airport, WWII Vets in Philippines & Broad Energy National Security: September 15, 2008
No bills of note introduced in the Senate yesterday, but here are a few in the House. The first two bills demonstrate how local and targeted some can be in the House, while the third bill is a broad and wide-ranging one dealing with energy and national security.
This first bill deals with a local issue and I'm curious to know how the folks in Pollock, LA like the idea of having their municipal airport being closed down.
By Mr. MCCRERY (R-LA):
H.R. 6891. A bill to authorize the closure of a municipal airport in Pollock, Louisiana, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H8127]
The next bill is quite targeted, dealing with veterans who served in the Philippines during WWII:
By Mr. FILNER (D-CA):
H.R. 6897. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make certain payments to eligible persons who served in the Philippines during World War II; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Source: GPO [H8127]
The final piece of legislation is a broad, over-arching energy bill aimed at improving national security through energy policy decisions:
By Mr. RAHALL (D-WV)(for himself, Mr. GENE GREEN (D-TX), Mr. GEORGE MILLER (D-CA), and Mr. DINGELL (D-MI)):
H.R. 6899. A bill to advance the national security interests of the United States by reducing its dependency on oil through renewable and clean, alternative fuel technologies while building a bridge to the future through expanded access to Federal oil and natural gas resources, revising the relationship between the oil and gas industry and the consumers who own those resources and deserve a fair return from the development of publicly owned oil and gas, ending tax subsidies for large oil and gas companies, and facilitating energy efficiencies in the building, housing, and transportation sectors, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, the Judiciary, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, the Budget, Rules, Science and Technology, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8127]
This first bill deals with a local issue and I'm curious to know how the folks in Pollock, LA like the idea of having their municipal airport being closed down.
By Mr. MCCRERY (R-LA):
H.R. 6891. A bill to authorize the closure of a municipal airport in Pollock, Louisiana, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Source: GPO [H8127]
The next bill is quite targeted, dealing with veterans who served in the Philippines during WWII:
By Mr. FILNER (D-CA):
H.R. 6897. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make certain payments to eligible persons who served in the Philippines during World War II; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Source: GPO [H8127]
The final piece of legislation is a broad, over-arching energy bill aimed at improving national security through energy policy decisions:
By Mr. RAHALL (D-WV)(for himself, Mr. GENE GREEN (D-TX), Mr. GEORGE MILLER (D-CA), and Mr. DINGELL (D-MI)):
H.R. 6899. A bill to advance the national security interests of the United States by reducing its dependency on oil through renewable and clean, alternative fuel technologies while building a bridge to the future through expanded access to Federal oil and natural gas resources, revising the relationship between the oil and gas industry and the consumers who own those resources and deserve a fair return from the development of publicly owned oil and gas, ending tax subsidies for large oil and gas companies, and facilitating energy efficiencies in the building, housing, and transportation sectors, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, the Judiciary, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, the Budget, Rules, Science and Technology, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8127]
Monday, September 15, 2008
National Service Bill: September 12, 2008
The House was not in session and the Senate had a shortened day. The House adjourned on Thursday to let Members of Congress who would be affected by Hurricane Ike get back home to their respective districts.
One bill introduced in the Senate, that has a great chance of passing, especially considering both presidential candidates are co-sponsors, is Sen. Kennedy's national service bill to encourage Americans to volunteer for a national cause and create a series of funds and tax incentives aimed at encouraging service:
By Mr. REID (D-NV)(for Mr. KENNEDY (D-MA)(for himself, Mr. HATCH (R-UT), Mr. OBAMA (D-IL), Mr. MCCAIN (R-AZ), Mr. DODD (D-CT), Mr. COCHRAN (R-MS), and Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY))):
S. 3487. A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to expand and improve opportunities for service, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S8482]
One bill introduced in the Senate, that has a great chance of passing, especially considering both presidential candidates are co-sponsors, is Sen. Kennedy's national service bill to encourage Americans to volunteer for a national cause and create a series of funds and tax incentives aimed at encouraging service:
By Mr. REID (D-NV)(for Mr. KENNEDY (D-MA)(for himself, Mr. HATCH (R-UT), Mr. OBAMA (D-IL), Mr. MCCAIN (R-AZ), Mr. DODD (D-CT), Mr. COCHRAN (R-MS), and Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY))):
S. 3487. A bill to amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to expand and improve opportunities for service, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Source: GPO [S8482]
Friday, September 12, 2008
Apache Water Rights, Inspecting Electronic Devices at Border, Abolishing Death Penalty & Earmark Audits: September 11, 2008
The Senate and House spent part of day memorializing those lost during the 9/11 attacks. There were a few bills of note introduced in both chambers.
Here are a couple interesting bills in the Senate. The first from Senate Kyl is to resolve water rights for Apache tribe in AZ. The second is bill to provide incentives for energy issues:
By Mr. KYL (R-AZ):
S. 3473. A bill to resolve water rights claims of the White Mountain Apache Tribe in the State of Arizona, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Source: GPO [S8383]
By Mr. BAUCUS (D-MT) (for himself and Mr. GRASSLEY (R-IA)):
S. 3478. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for the production of energy, to provide transportation and domestic fuel security, and to provide incentives for energy conservation and energy efficiency, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S8383]
In the House, three very interesting bills, some which will be quite controversial. The first is to issue a rule on check electronic devices at the border. The second is to abolish the death penalty and the third is to provide audits for programs and projects funded through earmarks.
By Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ (D-CA) ( Mr. THOMPSON (D-TN)):
H.R. 6869. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a rule with respect to border security searches of electronic devices, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security. Source: GPO [H8048]
By Mr. KUCINICH (D-OH) (for himself, Mr. CAPUANO (D-MA), Mrs. CHRISTENSEN (D-VI), Mr. CLAY (D-MO), Mr. CONYERS (D-MI), Mr. CUMMINGS (D-MD), Mr. DAVIS (D-IL) , Mr. ELLISON (D-MN), Mr. FATTAH (D-PA), Mr. KENNEDY (D-RI), Ms. KILPATRICK (D-MI), Ms. MCCOLLUM (D-MN), Ms. NORTON (D-DC) Mr. PAYNE (D-NJ), Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (D-IL), Mr. STARK (D-CA), Ms. WATERS (D-CA), Ms. WATSON (D-CA), and Ms. WOOLSEY (D-CA)):
H.R. 6875. A bill to abolish the death penalty under Federal law; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8048]
By Mr. FORTENBERRY (R-NE):
H.R. 6881. A bill to provide for audits of programs, projects, and activities funded through earmarks; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Source: GPO [H8048]
Here are a couple interesting bills in the Senate. The first from Senate Kyl is to resolve water rights for Apache tribe in AZ. The second is bill to provide incentives for energy issues:
By Mr. KYL (R-AZ):
S. 3473. A bill to resolve water rights claims of the White Mountain Apache Tribe in the State of Arizona, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Source: GPO [S8383]
By Mr. BAUCUS (D-MT) (for himself and Mr. GRASSLEY (R-IA)):
S. 3478. A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for the production of energy, to provide transportation and domestic fuel security, and to provide incentives for energy conservation and energy efficiency, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. Source: GPO [S8383]
In the House, three very interesting bills, some which will be quite controversial. The first is to issue a rule on check electronic devices at the border. The second is to abolish the death penalty and the third is to provide audits for programs and projects funded through earmarks.
By Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ (D-CA) ( Mr. THOMPSON (D-TN)):
H.R. 6869. A bill to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a rule with respect to border security searches of electronic devices, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security. Source: GPO [H8048]
By Mr. KUCINICH (D-OH) (for himself, Mr. CAPUANO (D-MA), Mrs. CHRISTENSEN (D-VI), Mr. CLAY (D-MO), Mr. CONYERS (D-MI), Mr. CUMMINGS (D-MD), Mr. DAVIS (D-IL) , Mr. ELLISON (D-MN), Mr. FATTAH (D-PA), Mr. KENNEDY (D-RI), Ms. KILPATRICK (D-MI), Ms. MCCOLLUM (D-MN), Ms. NORTON (D-DC) Mr. PAYNE (D-NJ), Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (D-IL), Mr. STARK (D-CA), Ms. WATERS (D-CA), Ms. WATSON (D-CA), and Ms. WOOLSEY (D-CA)):
H.R. 6875. A bill to abolish the death penalty under Federal law; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8048]
By Mr. FORTENBERRY (R-NE):
H.R. 6881. A bill to provide for audits of programs, projects, and activities funded through earmarks; to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Source: GPO [H8048]
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Impartial Forums for Nazi Railroad Claims & Exempting Energy Companies from State Environmental Laws: September 10, 2008
Senate and House are back in full swing of things.
In the Senate, quite an interesting bill by the Senators from New York that provides impartial forum for claims against railroads responsible for taking folks to Nazi concentration camps:
By Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY)(for himself and Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY)):
S. 3462. A bill to ensure that the courts of the United States may provide an impartial forum for claims brought by United States citizens and others against any railroad organized as a separate legal entity, arising from the deportation of United States citizens and others to Nazi concentration camps on trains owned or operated by such railroad, and by heirs and survivors of such persons; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S8275]
In the House, here's a bill by Representative from Tennessee that the environmentalists will be angered by and the oil companies will be pleased about:
By Mrs. BLACKBURN (R-TN):
H.R. 6860. A bill to exempt exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas under leases on Federal lands from State environmental and pollution control laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8018]
In the Senate, quite an interesting bill by the Senators from New York that provides impartial forum for claims against railroads responsible for taking folks to Nazi concentration camps:
By Mr. SCHUMER (D-NY)(for himself and Mrs. CLINTON (D-NY)):
S. 3462. A bill to ensure that the courts of the United States may provide an impartial forum for claims brought by United States citizens and others against any railroad organized as a separate legal entity, arising from the deportation of United States citizens and others to Nazi concentration camps on trains owned or operated by such railroad, and by heirs and survivors of such persons; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S8275]
In the House, here's a bill by Representative from Tennessee that the environmentalists will be angered by and the oil companies will be pleased about:
By Mrs. BLACKBURN (R-TN):
H.R. 6860. A bill to exempt exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas under leases on Federal lands from State environmental and pollution control laws, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Source: GPO [H8018]
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Founding Father's Docs in Schools, Vet's Tuition Assistance for Business and Mortgage Fraud: September 9, 2008
No bills of great interest introduced in the Senate yesterday, so here are a few bills from the House:
I think this bill is a great idea to have copies of these founding documents displayed in all public schools.
By Mr. MURPHY (D-CT):
H. Res. 1417. A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all public elementary schools and public secondary schools should display a copy of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights; to the Committee on Education and Labor. Source: GPO [H7853]
This next bill would allow veterans to use some financial education assistance promised to them to establish and operate businesses. There will likely be an awful lot of qualifying language in the legislation, but think this is great idea for the vets who want to go the entrepreneurial route instead of college.
By Mr. FORTENBERRY (R-NE):
H.R. 6850. A bill to allow veterans to elect to use, with the approval of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, certain financial educational assistance to establish and operate certain business, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Source: GPO [H7955]
This final bill seems like a great idea to me in light of all the issues we've had in recent years with mortgage fraud.
By Mr. MEEK (D-FL):
H.R. 6853. A bill to establish in the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force to address mortgage fraud in the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H7955]
I think this bill is a great idea to have copies of these founding documents displayed in all public schools.
By Mr. MURPHY (D-CT):
H. Res. 1417. A resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all public elementary schools and public secondary schools should display a copy of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights; to the Committee on Education and Labor. Source: GPO [H7853]
This next bill would allow veterans to use some financial education assistance promised to them to establish and operate businesses. There will likely be an awful lot of qualifying language in the legislation, but think this is great idea for the vets who want to go the entrepreneurial route instead of college.
By Mr. FORTENBERRY (R-NE):
H.R. 6850. A bill to allow veterans to elect to use, with the approval of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, certain financial educational assistance to establish and operate certain business, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Source: GPO [H7955]
This final bill seems like a great idea to me in light of all the issues we've had in recent years with mortgage fraud.
By Mr. MEEK (D-FL):
H.R. 6853. A bill to establish in the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Task Force to address mortgage fraud in the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [H7955]
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Getting Money Back from Iraq & Family Members of Aliens in Military: September 8, 2008
Members came back yesterday and Congress started back up for a busy 3 week run until next break.
In the Senate, a couple interesting bills that will likely be controversial. The 1st bill calls for pulling back funds appropriated to rebuild Iraq. There have been many reports of enormous surpluses in Iraq, which probably led to this bill being introduced.
The 2nd bill calls for adjusting status of family members of aliens fighting for the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan. I personally feel that any person who volunteers to fight for our country and serve in our military deserves all we can give to them and their family.
By Mr. COLEMAN (R-MN):
S. 3450. A bill to provide for the rescission of funds made available for fiscal year 2009 for Iraq reconstruction; to the Committee on Appropriations. Source: GPO [S8130]
By Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ):
S. 3453. A bill to authorize the adjustment of status for immediate family members of aliens who served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States during the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S8131]
Nothing to report from the House from yesterday. Unfortunately, our country lost Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Democrat from Ohio's 11th District over the summer recess, so the House spent parts of the day paying tribute. Always sad to lose someone who spent their life serving the public, regardless of party affiliation.
In the Senate, a couple interesting bills that will likely be controversial. The 1st bill calls for pulling back funds appropriated to rebuild Iraq. There have been many reports of enormous surpluses in Iraq, which probably led to this bill being introduced.
The 2nd bill calls for adjusting status of family members of aliens fighting for the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan. I personally feel that any person who volunteers to fight for our country and serve in our military deserves all we can give to them and their family.
By Mr. COLEMAN (R-MN):
S. 3450. A bill to provide for the rescission of funds made available for fiscal year 2009 for Iraq reconstruction; to the Committee on Appropriations. Source: GPO [S8130]
By Mr. MENENDEZ (D-NJ):
S. 3453. A bill to authorize the adjustment of status for immediate family members of aliens who served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States during the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Source: GPO [S8131]
Nothing to report from the House from yesterday. Unfortunately, our country lost Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Democrat from Ohio's 11th District over the summer recess, so the House spent parts of the day paying tribute. Always sad to lose someone who spent their life serving the public, regardless of party affiliation.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Back to Work - Senate and House Back in Session Today - Two Imporant Links!
The August recess has ended with the close of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions and the Members of Congress have come back for a furious 3 weeks of work before they break for the year (though it is looking more and more likely they will need to comeback before year's end for a 'lameduck' session to wrap up some much needed legislation).
With work beginning today, I'll start the posting of introduced bills again tomorrow. In the meantime, I wanted to share 2 websites during these important months before the Presidential elections.
The first site is FactCheck.org - There has been a lot of misinformation, misleading info, stretching the truth and outright lies in the campaigns over past few months. Fact Check provides a non-partisan approach and looking at the facts, and nothing but the facts. They simply take speeches and advertisements from both campaigns and point out any misinformation within.
The second site is RealClearPolitics.com - This is the best site I have found for polling information. Each day they list national, state and local polling data for variety of sources and is great site to get feel of all the polls together. The homepage also list the days top editorials from major daily newspapers and periodicals (with links). Really an excellent resource for anyone following the Presidential race along with the Congressional races.
With work beginning today, I'll start the posting of introduced bills again tomorrow. In the meantime, I wanted to share 2 websites during these important months before the Presidential elections.
The first site is FactCheck.org - There has been a lot of misinformation, misleading info, stretching the truth and outright lies in the campaigns over past few months. Fact Check provides a non-partisan approach and looking at the facts, and nothing but the facts. They simply take speeches and advertisements from both campaigns and point out any misinformation within.
The second site is RealClearPolitics.com - This is the best site I have found for polling information. Each day they list national, state and local polling data for variety of sources and is great site to get feel of all the polls together. The homepage also list the days top editorials from major daily newspapers and periodicals (with links). Really an excellent resource for anyone following the Presidential race along with the Congressional races.
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